The answer to an unspoken prayer

Why Joining a Women’s Bible Study Changed Everything

We've all experienced seasons of life that shake us at our core. For me, that season was in 2013. I had recently become a Christian, and while I believed in God, I didn't truly know Him yet. I was struggling with the heavy weight of shame and guilt following a divorce, desperately looking for direction or more importantly, some solid footing.

I remember telling a trusted friend that I longed for a deeper connection with Christ, but I had no idea how to find it. That same day, I came home to an email from a local church advertising a women’s Bible study. It felt like a direct answer to a prayer I had only just begun to ask for.

I took a leap of faith and joined. Now, 13 years later, that one step of obedience has come full circle. Not only do I love digging into a bible study to learn and grow in God's word, I have also found a love of leading Bible studies for women who, like I once was, are hungry to understand their faith and the bigger question of who we are in His eyes.

If you are on the fence about joining a study, here is what I’ve learned over the years and a glimpse of what you may find.

What Can a Bible Study Provide for You?

A bible study is much more than just "reading a book," or "The Book." When you commit to a bible study, you are opening the door to:

• True Community: Fellowship with other Christian women who are also navigating life’s ups and downs.

• Structured Growth: A clear path to increase your knowledge of the Bible rather than just guessing where to start.

• Consistent Practice: A way to live out your faith throughout the week, not just during the Sunday service.

How to Find the Right Study

You don’t have to be a "theologian" or even a member of a specific church to start.

• Check Local Church Websites: Most churches list their small groups or Bible studies online.

• Ask Around: Reach out to friends who attend church; they often have the inside scoop on upcoming sessions.

• Membership Check: Many studies (like the one I first joined!) are open to everyone, regardless of whether you belong to that church. Just be sure to check the registration details.

• Online Options: If an in-person meeting doesn't fit your life right now, many ministries offer online classes you can do independently or with a virtual group. I co lead an online study that is starting again in Spring. If you would like more information, just send me a message.

What to Expect (The Practical Stuff)

If you’ve never been part of a bible study, the unknown can be intimidating.

Here is the general "roadmap" of a typical session:

1. Small Group Connection: Women meet in a home or the church as one group. Larger groups often break into smaller circles. This is where the magic happens—you’ll discuss the week's lesson, share insights, and pray for one another. Typically you will have the same small group for the duration of the study.

2. The Homework: Most studies involve reading and questions to complete during the week. Depending on the study, expect to spend about 2–3 hours a week on the material. Do not let this commitment scare you away. If that seems like too much for your season of life right now, there are many ways to grow your faith through the study without feeling pressure to keep up and complete every assignment. God will use whatever time you give him to grow your faith.

3. The Time Commitment: Most groups meet once a week for 1 to 3 hours. Pay attention to the calendar so you know how many weeks the study runs. Studies vary greatly depending on the style of study and the church format. Most studies follow a 6-8 week schedule.

Pro Tip: There is no "right" way to do the work! Some women chip away at it for 15 minutes every morning; others carve out a few hours on Sunday afternoon. Do what fits your season of life.

Your Seat is Waiting: Are You Ready to Take the First Step?

Thirteen years ago, I was just a woman looking for a place to belong and a way to grow closer to Jesus and know my Bible during a hard season. If you’re feeling that same tug on your heart today, don’t ignore it. Deepening your faith doesn't happen by accident, it happens through intentional steps. I want to challenge you to do one thing today: look up a local study or ask a friend if you can join theirs. Whether it’s in-person or online, take that first step of obedience and watch how God begins to move in your life."

I’d Love to Hear From You!

Let’s chat in the comments! If you’ve been in a Bible study before, what is the biggest blessing you’ve found in your group? And if you’re looking to join one for the first time, what is one thing you’re hoping to find?

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